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I wanted to let my blog readers know of a new start up I am launching in conjunction with Fetch Technologies. Without divulging too much information, the new entity is based on patented AI search technology from Fetch that indexes the “deep Web”. The product will be a traveler tool that allows the consumer to “Collect, Organize and Share” information […]

My friends at PhoCusWright have released a new study in conjunction with NYU entitled: “The Effects of Emerging Technologies on the Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Marketplace”. The research was created to measure the impact of new technologies on travel, tourism and hospitality companies, analyze their influence on current distribution channels and explore future technologies that will affect the way travel […]

The game of musical chairs in the global TMC market continues with the announcement this week of the purchase of Synergi by The Travel Company who themselves where recently purchased by BCD (owner of WorldTravel). I view this as a stop gap measure designed to give BCD an immediate global presence. BCD will likely go ahead and purchase some of […]

In late 2003 I wrote a research report entitled Emerging Trends in Wireless Technology and The Global Travel Industry. In this study I reviewed current trends in wireless technology, specific wireless travel applications and ideas for future wireless apps. Much to my dismay, many of my predications have not yet materialized (certainly not in the US). The failure of my […]

Today’s announcement may have caught many by surprise. In case you haven’t seen it –1) WorldTravel and BTI are dissolving their partnership2) BTI UK will most likely be re-branded as Hogg Robinson and will likely purchase additional agencies in the US3) TQ3 (TUI) is selling its European operations to BCD (the owner of WorldTravel)4) Navigant will retain the TQ3 brand […]

A lot has been written (including in this Blog) on the fragmentation of inventory and the emergence of alternate distribution platforms. One underlying theme that has not been discussed is the need for airlines to execute effective channel management strategies. There are a number of software solutions that allow hotels to manage different buckets of inventory through different channels, why […]